CHICO -- If Valerie Reddemann of Chico says, "Relax and be excited" about it, you might wonder what's on her mind.

But knowing that Reddemann's nickname and email address is "social maven" might give you a hint she's talking about social media.

As a former retail business owner who used social media as a stepping stone to boost marketing and sales, Reddemann lives, breathes and believes in social media, but understand it can be Greek to businesses.

Rather than being anxious about Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, the lecturer echoes the social media chant that it is just another form of word-of-mouth information.

To generate business-to-business tips, Reddemann suggests spending time with LinkedIn.

"People think LinkedIn is just for getting a job. It's more."

Reddemann advises putting as much information as possible on a LinkedIn profile, and browsing through other avenues available on LinkedIn.

"You can do a tremendous amount of business on LinkedIn."

The more information that is put on LinkedIn — such as on profiles — the more legitimate the source is seen by visitors. She suggests to research profiles on Google to see what works, and recommends free Internet training on blogging and webinars.

"Build up a company profile, upload a logo and be as complete as you can, but know it will evolve."

If you want to try out descriptions and information before sending the word out to the world, she suggests turning off "notifications."

"As soon as the profile is ready, log in and join groups in your industry and get involved."

If there's anything she warns against, it's private messaging with a sales pitch.

"Just get into a group and demonstrate your authority, or chime in on the general conversation."

Social media is the perfect medium for women, she notes, because it's about building relationships.

If there's an area that Reddemann says don't ignore, it's email, where it's easier to build a relationship.

Facebook is another immediate medium that can turn criticism to benefit, she says.